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Influencer Reni shares her 4 steps to buying a Rosedale new-build

R

Reni Odetoyinbo

Finance Influencer

2025-05-07
5 min
Influencer Reni shares her 4 steps to buying a Rosedale new-build

Social media influencer and real estate enthusiast Reni Patel recently shared her journey of purchasing a pre-construction home in Toronto's prestigious Rosedale neighborhood. With over 500,000 followers across her platforms, Reni has become known for her practical approach to luxury real estate investments.

"Buying pre-construction was intimidating at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps made the process much less overwhelming," says Reni. "I'm sharing my experience so others can navigate this journey with confidence."

[IMAGE: Reni standing in front of her new Rosedale property construction site]

Reni at the site of her future Rosedale home during the early construction phase.

Step 1: Research Developers with a Proven Track Record

Reni emphasizes that your developer's reputation should be your first consideration. "I spent nearly three months researching developers before making any decisions," she explains.

Her research process included:

  • Visiting completed projects by the same developer
  • Speaking with current residents in those buildings
  • Checking Tarion records for claims history
  • Reviewing online forums and social media discussions
  • Consulting with real estate lawyers who had experience with the developer

"The developer I ultimately chose had a 25-year history in Toronto with minimal delays and high customer satisfaction scores. Their previous Rosedale project was delivered only two months behind schedule, which is impressive in the industry."

Step 2: Understand the True Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

One of Reni's most valuable insights involves looking beyond the advertised price. "The sticker price is just the beginning," she warns.

Additional costs Reni tracked included:

  • Development charges: $42,500 for her luxury unit
  • Education levies: $8,200
  • Assignment fees: $7,500 (in case she needed to sell before completion)
  • Utility connection fees: $3,800
  • Closing costs: Approximately $35,000 including land transfer tax
  • Upgrades and customizations: $85,000 for premium finishes

"I created a spreadsheet with every possible cost and added a 15% buffer for unexpected expenses. This preparation meant no financial surprises during the process."

Step 3: Negotiate Strategically on Upgrades, Not Price

Reni's background in marketing gave her a unique perspective on negotiations. "In premium neighborhoods like Rosedale, developers rarely budge on the base price, especially in the current market," she notes.

Instead, she focused her negotiation efforts on:

  • Securing premium finishes at standard pricing
  • Extending deposit timelines to better manage cash flow
  • Adding custom built-ins at no additional cost
  • Negotiating a cap on development charges
  • Obtaining additional parking space

"By focusing on value-adds rather than price reductions, I secured approximately $65,000 in additional value while maintaining a positive relationship with the developer."

Step 4: Create a Comprehensive Timeline with Contingency Plans

Reni's final step involves meticulous planning for the waiting period. "My Rosedale property has a 30-month construction timeline. That's a significant period that requires careful planning," she shares.

Her timeline strategy included:

  • Setting calendar reminders for all deposit due dates
  • Planning her living arrangements with flexible lease terms
  • Creating a dedicated savings plan for the remaining deposits
  • Establishing relationships with interior designers early
  • Developing contingency plans for potential delays

"I negotiated a month-to-month lease for the final six months of my expected waiting period, which gives me flexibility if there are construction delays. I also maintain a separate savings account specifically for any unexpected costs that might arise."

Final Thoughts

Reni's methodical approach to purchasing her Rosedale pre-construction home demonstrates that even luxury real estate investments can be approached systematically.

"The waiting is the hardest part," she admits. "But knowing I've done my due diligence gives me peace of mind. My new Rosedale home represents not just a beautiful place to live, but a sound investment made with careful consideration."

Reni plans to document the entire construction process on her social media channels, providing her followers with regular updates as her dream home takes shape in one of Toronto's most coveted neighborhoods.

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Reni Odetoyinbo

Finance Influencer